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Apple has made an announcement regarding the release of the iPhone 5 this Friday September 15.  How does this affect hospitality?  With all of the enhancements that apple has pressed forward with this new iPhone, hospitality will feel pressure to adapt and change with the times and you nailed it, they will have to continue to buy new tech.  If apple is able to make their iPhone 18% thinner and 20% lighter while making it larger and more durable, the hospitality industry will have to respond in their own tech.  Also, this new technology enables hospitality firms to direct their efforts more effectively with better tech.

I was listening to the news over the week end and was intrigued about a story on a new smart card that would one day take the place of all of our credit cards. My mind started reeling and could not grasp the concept especially with technology and hackers in the forefront of any credit card online usage. I read this article several times and it helped me understand the simplicity of this card and also the fact that your credit/debit account numbers are not stored on the card just a chip then the consumer either uses a PIN number or signature as authorization for payment. Fingerprint technology will be added in the future, which will bring about an evolution into the use of the Smart Card.

Hertz Corp. has just launched numerous travel apps for 11 major US cities. These apps let customers plan a trip by browsing content which is cutomized to that city and having it wirelessly sent to the GPS system in their rental car. The apps complement Hertz's NeverLost Gen 5 GPS route-guidance system. While in the car, this service will deliver certain information based on which city they are in and can be taken with them once they leave the car as well. Hertz is using this as an attempt to reach out to potential customers and expand their clientele. In an effort to remain unique, each app includes six categories: Explore, Top Must See, Events, Favorites, Tours, and Neighborhoods. There is also a feature that allows you to track the weather as well as see the nearest restaurants and attractions by simply pointing your iPhone at the horizon. The first app purchased is free and each subsequent app can be downloaded for only $0.99. Hertz already has an app for making reservations and confirmations so these apps are being used to build upon that and take it to the mobile level.  This is smart as people who are renting cars are more likely to be unfamiliar with their whereabouts than when driving their own vehicle. Being able to take GPS voice directions and find specific attractions while outside the car is a step in the right direction for m-commerce.

Good for Hertz! They seem to be differentiating themselves from other rental car brands with this unique service to their customers. Its also a good way to capitalize on the immediate needs of their customers who are the perfect target market for this app. I wonder if you can 'hands-free' your mobile device and sync it with the rental car while on that would be extremely helpful!

This article talks  the new application that Hertz is introducing on the iPhone to allow customers to plan their trip that can be wires sly  delivered to the GPS system in their Hertz rental car .  This apps have been lauchend for 11 cities so far. Each city app includes six categories: Explore, Top Must See, Events, Favorites, Tours and Neighborhoods. So far the map can be downloaded  for free on the app store. Those apps on the iPhone give herts a chance to advertize  their merchandise to the user of iPhone with age varies .

This article mainly talks about icloud basics and the cost of icloud. Icloud has lots of benefit for the customer who uses apple devices. Icloud do not replace local storage on iPhones, ipads and iPod touches. Icloud keep data in sync between any apple device and PC that you own. Every data are available across devices from Iphone to ipad. All the documents can be shared in any apple devices and people do not need e-mail or USB to store and transfer files. It brings lots of conveniences to the customers. Also, icould provide excellent backup function for customers. Another advantage of apple devices is that third party apps are able to use icloud as well. The cost of this service is not really expensive and apple will provide 5GB I cloud storage for free. Apple charges some extras money for additional storage, but it is not very expensive. Icloud will help apple not only enhance current market, but also can expand the future PC and other digital devices market. People who own multiple iOS devices will get the most out of iCloud, because it saves the hassle of manually transferring data between iPhones, iPads and so on. Therefore, more and more people will purchase apple devices in order to get the most out of icloud.

This article is about technology of combining the room key with the iphones. Holiday Inn will test this technology next month. Though this is a creative idea, some people may feel skeptical to try the new room keys. As this technology is new, some guests may not accept that use the cell phone as their room keys and there are many questions come into being with this new technology. For hotels, they must think about the using guests' iphones as the room keys is optional or required. The article also illustrates how the iphone works and what will happen if the iphone is lost or stolen. Besides, more hotels will test this new technology and the technology will work with regular cell phones. In my opinion, combining the cell phones with the room keys is a good idea, because many customers today use iphones today, and almost everyone takes a cell phone when live in the hotel. It is convenient for the guests to use their cell phones as the room keys. This technology can give guests fast check-in because before the guests arrive, they will receive a text massage containing their room number and a unique and encrypted sound code that they'll use to unlock their hotel-room door. When they arrive at the hotel, they can directly go to their rooms. It also can reduce front desk's work. . However, security is still the main factor that the guests will concern and there are some risks if the cell phones lost or stolen. Besides, some guests may prefer to use traditional room key and may not accept the change. It relies on the Open Ways (the secured network) and can work with more brands of cell phones. I consider hotels can provide this technology for the guests as an option because some guests prefer the traditional room keys while some like the new technology.

This article is about the use of I-Phone of Blackberry as your room key. It explains that Holiday Inn will be trying this new technology and many guests are not sure about trying it out. Many guests are not sure about trying it and question how safe it can be. The article explains that this new technology is not required and is rather an opinion. The article explained how it works and is simply a code sent to the customer to their phone and this is used to open the door and the code is only used once and resets every time. The article goes on to explain that there is no issues if the phone is lost or stolen because the codes aren't saved to the phone but rather the server the app runs on. I feel that this is a new cool way to technology. However, I don't see where it is anymore secure than a room key and really it doesn't make the process any easier. I feel its new and innovative but its not the best idea.

This Article based on an Apple iPhone App for Swiss hotel Students is about how some 80 international students from IMI University Centre in Luzern collected data to create the world's first crowd-sourced student guide. The iPhone app is connected with Luzern Tourism, which contains its own tourism guide of the city. The app itself also collects many insider tips for the students who currently live in Switzerland. This Iphone App is free and is categorized in 7 different ways one is "Top Info" which is essential for all international students, "Top Rumors", "Why Luzern?" which explains the ten top reasons for why Luzern is the best place to study, "Do's and Don't's" explaining the things that are important to know about Swiss culture, "Education", "Food", and "Student Gems" which are special tips and selections of all students who participate at version 1.0.

With smartphones evlving and getting smarter, smaller and speedier it is allowing for advances in mobile point-of-sale technology especially in the restaurant industr. There are now numerous POS platforms that support both iPhone as well as android. Tablets and iPads are also supported so that restaurants can process payments in the field with a credit card reader. Traditionally POS have been very costly and structured; now with mobile technology the flexibility is convenient, fast and user friendly. New applications allow restaurants to store customer spending patterns without retaining their personal credit card information. the use of smartphones also opens up very exciting opportunities when it comes to business-consumer communication. Restaurants can send text messages containg discounted coupons to their establishments. The key is to not over do it as customers may become annoyed with too many text messages. This article delat mainly with the restaurant industry but did mention the evolution of technological advances with the use of smart phones. Form personal experience I have used my iphone and ipad to conduct credit card transactions utilzing squareD which provides free of charge a mobile credit card swiper that is connected to the microphone port of either the iphone or Ipad. there is not monthly contract or fee. The only charge is 2.5% per settled credit card transaction and the amount is automatically deducted from the batched amount and within 1-2 business days the funds are deposited directly into ones checking/savings account. This is convenient, fast, and easy. I have been able to secure payment right on the spot instead of either handling cash which is always a ahzard or the risk of accepting checks. the use of smartphones and tbalets have revolutionozed the way business is being conducted making it fast, easy, and convenient to both cutomer and busoness owner alike.

Hertz introduces iphone apps to deliver extended travel experience to customers. The app is called My Explore, including 11 major cities in U.S. with most travel information. Each city app includes six categories: explore, Top Must See, Events, Favorites, Tours and neighborhoods. Those probably cover major needs during traveling.

This article introduce us a new hotel guest room product called HiP50. The design company is called Hotel Technologies, this company is known for bringing "the science of feeling at home" to hotels and guests is releasing a Bluetooth Alarm Clock Radio with Speakerphone for iPhone, iPad and iPod. This Bluetooth -enabled unit puts guests' tunes in hotel rooms via the iHome digital iPhone/iPad/iPod alarm clock radio. Guest can listen to music via this device and answer the calls as long as guest's cell phone is Bluetooth-capable. This unit in hands-free convenience and communication, enabling guests to relax in their room, enjoy a room service meal, get dressed, work on a presentation, or pack for departure all while talking on the speakerphone." Recent research shows that there is a large number of American like to use the wireless telephone, and the number is increasing. This may means guest of a hotel may prefer use their own phone rather than the hotel's land line phone. So the company makes effort to developing in-room electronics and entertainment solutions to complement guest's experience. 

Hey all, Here is an article I found about a POS system that is supported by either an IPAD or an Iphone device. There are many pros to buying a system like this for a company that is just starting out. If someone is having problem you can call and the ISISPOS system will provide 24 hours a day customer service. Because the world is getting faster and more demanding, it is becoming necessary to find other ways of pleasing the customer in a more efficient manner. With this technology, one has the ability to be completely mobile and is not restricted to conventional forms of typical POS problems. It is affordable and easy to use. With cloud computing, your business can save an enormous amount of money versus sticking to the traditional infrastructure. Instead of buying new hardware and software every so often, one can now rest easy with cloud computing technology because it updates on its own and has the ability to be accessed from anywhere, even home! It is literally like having your business in the palm of your hand.

Great Post! Two days ago, I had the opportunity to visit a restaurant where the staff utilized an iPad to take the orders. This was a non-franchise restaurant; I can't imagine how much money the owners spent on such technology. The food came out quickly, I am not sure if the utilization of the iPad helped expedite our order, however it was done quickly. Once we asked for our check, the server was able to send the request to a printer and brought the ticket very fast. I wanted to play with it, but didn't feel comfortable asking the server.

I really enjoyed getting to know more about these POS systems that are supported by Iphones and Ipads. They seem to be very advantageous to restaurants, and I agree with your point that they do not provide the typical POS problems. I feel that the cloud computing technology has really made these systems entirely beneficial. These systems are getting closer to becoming virtually perfected.

Interactive apps are more effective than tradional ones, because they allow guest's to be more informed. This Hotel Evolution app is also a point of sale, as guests can order things with ease of a touch. Apps like this enhance guest expereinces and drive sales, ultimately increasing the bottom line!!

Two former restaurant servers have developed software that provides an end-to-end point-of-sale (POS) system that allows taking and submitting orders, printing kitchen slips, customer receipts and processing payments-all using an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Ambur does not require a computer on the back end. Instead the hand-held device is the hub. The program can be loaded up by any iOS device and run on a wireless network. Waiters can easily fulfill customer requests right at the table. One drawback is that some customers have complained because they thought the waiter was texting on their iPhone.

Great article, Craig! I agree that this is a great app for hotel managers to integrate into their company because although they may need to invest money to create these apps, the incoming revenue produced from the app will be well worth it. Tourists usually go on leisurely vacations to relax and be pampered. This app is just another guest service tool that allows the customer to do what they'd like from the comfort of their bed or tanning chair.

i do believe that someday the Apple POS systems will replace all the hardware and software POS system widely working in the restaurant. Apple product is becoming one of the inevitable interaction and communication apps taking actions in many fields of industries. And it is able to be much cheaper and faster tool in restaurant. Customers would like to use their own apple products( itouch, ipad, iphone) to finish ordering via the intranet or internal internet. it is not only time-saving but also money-saving approach.

This article talks about cruise ship which is equipped with RFID-based passenger tracking system. With this system, cruisers can find where their family members and friends are through Wi-Fi-based RFID tags in badges or wristbands, and iPhones. There are nearly 1000 access points installed with Wi-Fi network on the ship. So wherever someone with a RFID badge or wristband goes, their location can be found. With iPhones, passengers can not only locate their party members but make reservations at restaurants and spas by calling or sending messages to those places. The goal of this system is to allow cruisers to more freely communicate with their party members and merchants on board so cruise operator can improve guests' experience on board. In the near future, with the advancement of RFID system, everything on board can be done with RFID badges, wristbands, or something else, which means guests will not have to bring their cash, credit cards to pay and crew on board will go through less hassle.

I think this can be a helpful tool if used appropriately. It should be an elective option chosen by the passenger who is eighteen years or older. I think the age limit is important because once passengers are eighteen years old they are technically adults. This way parents can choose whether or not they would like to monitor their children's location throughout the ship. Keep in mind that not only can their parents see where there children are but any crew member who has access to the system may be able to track such movements throughout the ship. I hope appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent people from using the system inappropriately.

I would not be a fan of this if I were going on a cruise. This is too "Big Brother is watching" for my liking. I think it's a good idea for families to keep track of their kids but that does not apply to me. The only function I would like is the alert from the restaurant saying your table is ready.

Apple is using recycled materials in their new phones and hopes to eliminate the need to mine new materials for future devices through their new Green policy

I myself have a Square and swear by it. I use it to sell homemade goods and trinkets and fairs, as well as sell baked goods at fundraising events. The Square app and unit are free (after registry refund) and are simple to use. Just connect it to a bank account and you are off. You can take and keep track of both cash and credit card payments. Plus inventory tracking is easy. The Square turns any iPad, iPhone, iPod or android device into a traveling POS system. Plus there is no paper involved so it's a great first step to running a Green business. Square is the POS solution for small businesses. 

Using the ZMail® electronic communication platform from ZDirect, travelers receive a link in their confirmation email to a 'pass' containing hotel reservation information; The 'pass' is stored in Apple's Passbook, and when in close proximity to the hotel, automatically pops up on the iPhone lock screen for instant retrieval. ZDirect is a hospitality provider of electronic customer-relationship management services. Via ZMail®, hotels send personalized emails and text messages to guests before, during and after their stay to improve hotel-to-guest communications, build customer loyalty and increase onsite spending. "ZDirect's mobile integration to Passbook does what paper can't -- it alerts travelers to real-time changes in their reservations," "...ZDirect's integration to Passbook means no more printing of hotel confirmations which tend to get lost. To update their reservations, guests simply 'pull down' on their 'pass' to receive the latest reservation information. It's a convenience tool that is so important to today's mobile-dependent travelers, and it's a logical add on for hotels that use ZMail® for hotel-to-guest communication." said Shayne Paddock, ZDirect chief information officer. I think this is a excellent example that combining PMS with current trend. Passbook is an great app invented by Apple, and this collaborating way that ZDirect did is a huge step in PMS mobilization.

E-marketing is not unfamiliar for us and it has become a powerful tool for hotels to promote themselves. Hotels can make profit from it if it is applied in a proper way. This article introduces a successful example that IHG focuses on developing apps and mobil features to engage with guests throughout their journey and the monthly revenue from mobile booking reaches over $20 million. IHG's mobile strategy focuses on connecting with guests at all touch points throughout their travel planning and stay experience not just on the first step of room booking. IHG will continue their mobil strategy with launch of the Priority Club Rewards app for iPad that can help guests easily find and book rooms, check rates and increase flexibility to manage their reservation and view member details. This provides guests great convince and leaves them great feeling about this brand. Some new features, functions and offers will be customized for different category of guests such as corporate guests and leisure guests in IHG's e-marketing plan. So the efficiency in targeting the right market is increased. IHG benefit a lot from e-marketing and is multiplying more methods in this area to keep up with the trend. Success of IHG in e-marketing can be a good example for other hoteliers.